Scroll saw project suggestions

[Packard]

At present, my back and hip prevent me from standing for more than about 10 minutes, at which time I need to lie flat on my back for a few minutes. 

I am seeing the orthopedic surgeon on Friday.  Hopefully he will have a solution.

In the meantime I have purchased a scroll saw (my first one).  I’ve been making toys to donate to charities next Christmas.  I’ve made about 20 toys so far.  I don’t think I want to produce more.

Any suggestions for items to make on the scroll saw?  I’m not really interested in selling stuff. My retirement plans do not require that. 

But I do like to make gifts.  Actually it does not have to be the scroll saw, any projects I can do primarily while seated.  (I tried using the table saw while seated on a bar stool.  It was very awkward and possibly dangerous).

I have bar stools for counter-height and bar-height. 

The advantage the toys had were that they were small, light weight and most of the work  (on the scroll saw) was easily done while seated.  I did need to chop the stock into small pieces (standing) and drill holes (seated).

Using the oscillating arbor sander was a standing operation.  I may move that bench top sander to a lower table which will allow me to work seated.

Hopefully the doctor will just give me a shot of cortisone and send me on my way.  That usually gives me 3 - 4 months of relief. 

Suggestions on projects would be appreciated.

 

[PaulMarcel]

Look into learning marquetry. You can buy veneer variety packs at different places and pick a reasonable image to reproduce. I have two big marquetry projects on the horizon (subject to my recent poor time-management skills); it can be a lot of fun.

The bonus for gifts is when you stack your packet for parts, you can stack multiple veneers for a single part. Once done cutting your packets, you can have 4-5 full sets of parts to tape and glue up.

 

[mcfal12]

At present, my back and hip prevent me from standing for more than about 10 minutes, at which time I need to lie flat on my back for a few minutes. 

I am seeing the orthopedic surgeon on Friday.  Hopefully he will have a solution.

Good luck at the doctor on Friday and have you considered perhaps making some signs?

 

[luvmytoolz]

Pick up a couple of these books I reckon! Would be great projects for the scrollsaw and unusual enough people have likely not seen them before:
https://gregdorrance.com/product/animated-animal-toys-in-wood-20-projects-that-walk-wobble-roll/[attachimg=1]

 

[woodferret]

Intarsia

 

[blues]

At present, my back and hip prevent me from standing for more than about 10 minutes, at which time I need to lie flat on my back for a few minutes. 

I am seeing the orthopedic surgeon on Friday.  Hopefully he will have a solution.

So sorry to hear about your back. Just wanted to share some interesting options/ perspectives

1. Have you tried inversion table/hangups? It's like using your own body weight to provide traction/ relief for your lower back. Link below has more details:https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/what-are-inversion-tables

2. It's usually the core that's weak or the stomach muscles that are deep down that become stiff and inflexible causing back issues. Typically a 3" or 4" ball when pressed on by you lying flat on your stomach (painful initially) and you have to persist through it) helps relieve tension. (This worked for me)=lqFbfC6bBuhbYxY-

Typical woodworking disclaimer holds true - "do at your own risk and consult a professional".

The need to get back into woodworking for fun is excellent motivation 🏋‍.  Get well soon.

 

[Packard]

The doctor says that the pain is from bulging discs in my back.  He also said that I was not a good candidate for surgery.  I’m not sure if that means that surgery would not help, or they think other treatments are safer, or that the damage is not sufficient to warrant surgery.

He gave me a shot of cortisone with a 2” long needle (ouch!).  He also gave me a medication that dulls the nerves’ transmission of pain.  It is not classified as a pain killer, but as an “anti-seizure” medication.

The damage was in all likelihood self inflicted.  As a young man I used to dead lift over 600 pounds.  That is perhaps more that our bodies are engineered to lift.  I started lifting weights at the age of 13 and I have never stopped.  It could be a simple accumulation of stress over 62 years of lifting. 

In any case, it is now 6 hours after the treatment.  The effect of the treatment can take anywhere from 2 hours to 3 - 4 days to work.  I feel a little better, but it is too soon to tell.